Still video camera

ABSTRACT

A mode changing device for a camera employing a minimum number of actuating members to permit a user to change an operating mode and/or setting of the camera. A mode actuating member and a selector switch, used in conjunction with an LCD panel that indicates the mode and setting that has been selected by the user, permits the user to easily select and/or adjust the features of the cameras, such as a photographing mode, a playback mode, an exposure mode, a white balanxe mode, a copy/monitor mode and a time/date mode. When the mode changing device is applied to a still video camera having a playback function, a change-over switch automatically changes the operating mode of the camera from a record mode to a playback mode when a monitoring adapter is connected to the camera, further reducing the number of actuating members that are needed to control the camera. In addition, the camera is designed to minimize the waste of electrical power by inhibiting the operation playback mode until the camera is instructed to begin operating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a photographic camera and, moreparticularly, to a still camera that is provided with at least one modechanging device, a time/date device or an exposure compensating devicewhich can be used with the still video camera that is provided with aplayback device or an audio recording/playback device.

2. Description of Background Information

Recently, multifunction type cameras, in which each function includes aplurality of changeable modes and a plurality of changeable settingshave become popular. For example, still video cameras having thecapability of operating in a SINGLE mode (to take one photograph at atime), a RUNNING (CONTINUOUS) mode (for taking a series of rapidsequence photographs) and a SELF-TIMER mode. In addition, such a camerausually includes a white balance function having an AUTO, CLOUDY, FINE,FLUORESCENT and INCANDESCENT setting mode; a recording function,including an IMAGE (PICTURE) RECORD mode and an AUDIO (VOICE) RECORDmode; a playback function for playing back a recorded audio or imagesignal; and a time/date function for displaying or recording the dateand time.

Changing any of these modes has usually been carried out by actuating aplurality of switches located on the body of the camera. In thisrespect, a plurality of actuating members have been required to changethe modes and functions of the camera. Thus, the number of actuatingmembers on a camera have increased as the number of functions or modeshave increased. In addition, various combinations of several actuatingmembers have also been employed to effect changes to the modes andfunctions of the camera.

However, the large number of actuating members has created a problem, inthat users cannot understand or remember which actuating member shouldbe operated to achieve a desired result. Consequently, a desired picturecan be missed or poor recording can result.

Still video cameras have also been developed that include the ability torecord the date, time, and other type of information, with thephotographic recording. Such prior art cameras include display means forsuch a date/time "stamping" function which is independent of the displaymeans for the other camera functions, such as the abovementionedPHOTOGRAPHING mode. These cameras employ additional actuating membersfor specifically switching between the date display and the time displayand for adjusting the date or time. The increased number of actuatingmembers found on these cameras are a serious burden to the photographerwhich needs to be overcome in order to improve the operability andcompactness of the camera.

Photographic cameras have also been developed which include an automaticexposure means that has an exposure compensating device to allow anexposure value to be manually compensated. The expression "automaticexposure means", as used herein, should be understood to designate acamera component which measures the light intensity of an object to bephotographed, calculates an exposure value from the measured value(brightness of the object to be photographed) and then sets an F-stopvalue and a shutter speed or, in the case of a still video camera, setsa charging time of a pick-up element on the basis of the exposure valueso as to effect an exposure on the basis of the value thus set up.

Prior art exposure compensating devices can be classified as one of twotypes. The first type has a fixed exposure compensation value. Thesecond type has an adjustable exposure compensation value which can bechanged by the user. A camera employing the fixed exposure compensationvalue is convenient to operate, in that only a single actuating switchis needed. However, such a camera is inflexible in that it cannot beadapted to different light intensities in a photographic scene and itcannot obtain an optimum exposure to meet the requirements of certainphotographic situations. The variable exposure compensation value typecamera permits a photographer to change the exposure setting byoperating an exposure adjusting switch. However, such a camera has acomplicated procedure for changing and canceling exposure compensationvalues. Furthermore, providing an additional switch, exclusively forchanging the compensation value, increases the total number of switches,reducing the operability and compactness of the camera.

Still video cameras have also been developed that can record andplayback a video image or audio signal. In such a still video camera, anoperator switches between the record mode and the playback mode byoperating an externally operated switch. Accordingly, it has beennecessary to add an additional switch to the camera body which ismanipulated by the operator to manually switch between the record modeand the playback mode. This manual switching operation has furthercomplicated the operating convenience of such a camera.

In addition, still video cameras which are capable of recording andplaying back an image onto a recording medium, such as a magnetic disk,typically employ a spindle motor which is used to rotate the magneticdisk upon the selection of the playback mode so as to activate amagnetic head which is used to reproduce the information on therecording medium. However, such an arrangement forces the user tomanually switch the mode of the camera from the record mode to theplayback mode.

If the above-mentioned manual operation is omitted, the spindle motorwill continue to rotate as long as the camera remains in the playbackmode, even if the recorded information is not being viewed. Thus, thebattery that powers the camera will be consumed, reducing the operatingtime of the camera. However, providing an additional switch for theexclusive purpose for controlling the start/stop operation, when thecamera is in the playback mode, would increase the bulkiness of thecamera.

Prior art cameras have also been developed which are adapted to outputthe recorded signals to an external apparatus when the camera is in therecord mode for the purpose of monitoring the recording process. In sucha camera, a RECORD/MONITOR switch is usually provided so that when amonitoring operation is taking place, the camera pick-up, recording andreproducing means are immediately activated. Unfortunately, the additionof this record/monitor switch further reduces the compactness of thecamera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to minimizethe number of operating members which are used to actuate the changingor setting of various functions and modes of a camera.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the size of thecamera by reducing the number of operating members.

An advantage of the present invention is the ability of the camera toautomatically switch between a record mode and a playback mode withoutthe need for any special external switch manipulation.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the camera does notimmediately start operating when a function switch, provided on thecamera, is switched from a record mode to a playback mode.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the number ofoperating switches needed to control the camera does not need to beincreased as additional functions and capabilities are added to thecamera, such as the ability to switch between a record mode and aplayback mode.

The present invention resides in a mode changing device for aphotographic camera that is provided with means for selectively settingone photographic mode from a plurality of photographic modes. The modechanging device comprises means for changing an operating mode of acamera, and means for setting the mode changing means, wherein a singleselector means enables the mode setting means to execute a photographicmode changing operation.

A still video camera constructed according to the above can be easilyoperated because a single selector means is used to change the operatingmodes of the camera.

The present invention also resides in a time/date stamping device for aphotographic camera, which comprises means for selectively setting onefunction mode from a plurality of function modes, in which the operationof the camera is controlled and a plurality of modes associated witheach of the function modes, means for displaying the plurality offunction modes or settings associated with each of the function modes,means for selectively changing the function that is displayed on adisplay means, means for actuating the mode changing means by anexternal operation, means for selectively displaying a date display anda time display on the display means, and means for selecting one modefrom the plurality of modes associated with each function modeassociated with the mode changing means, wherein the display of thedate/time setting means is selected by the mode changing actuator means.

Such an arrangement allows one to select or change the modes associatedwith the time/date stamping means, and the other operating means to beaccomplished by a common mode changing actuating member. Consequently,the number of operating members are sufficiently reduced so as toachieve a desired compactness of the camera and to facilitate the easeof operation of the camera.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an exposurecompensating device for a photographic camera comprises means forcalculating an exposure value, means for automatically setting anexposure on the basis of an exposure value calculated by the exposurecalculating means, means for compensating the set exposure by activatingthe automatic exposure means on the basis of an exposure value that issubjected to a predetermined compensation with respect to the exposurevalue given by the exposure calculating means, means for activating theexposure compensating means, means for changing the exposurecompensation value produced by the exposure compensating means, andmeans for activating the exposure compensation value changing means.

The exposure compensating device constructed according to the presentinvention can be operated in a simple manner because the exposurecompensating value is operated by manipulating a single exposure valuechanging actuator means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a still videocamera comprises an image pick-up means for generating video signals ofan object to be photographed, means for recording the video signalsgenerated by the image pick-up means onto a recording medium, and meansfor reproducing the video signals recorded on the recording medium, thestill video camera further comprising means for outputting signalsreproduced by the reproducing means to an external apparatus, means forswitching the operating mode of the camera from a record mode to aplayback mode, activating the reproducing means when connection means onthe external apparatus are electrically connected to the outputtingmeans, and switching the operating mode of the camera to the recordmode, activating the recording means, when the connection means areelectrically disconnected from the output means.

Such a still video camera automatically changes between the record modeand the playback mode upon the connecting or disconnecting of theconnection means to the output means. Therefore, the camera does notrequire an operating member for switching between the record andplayback mode, resulting in a simplified operating and more compactcamera.

The present invention resides, according to another aspect of theinvention, in a camera that comprises means for recording video signalsonto a recording medium, means for reproducing the recorded signals,means for selectively changing a record mode, in which a recording meansis activated, and a playback mode, in which a playback means isactivated, and a playback initiator switch to activate the playbackmeans, wherein the playback means starts the playback of the recordedsignals when the playback initiator switch is turned on after theplayback mode has been selected.

In such a still video camera, once the playback mode has been selected,the reproduction of the recorded signals awaits the operation of theplayback initiator switch. Such a construction avoid the unnecessaryconsumption of electrical power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustratedin the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe invention in a clear and concise manner.

FIG. 1 is perspective view showing the outer appearance of a still videocamera incorporating the present invention, as viewed from the rearside;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an internal systemof the still video camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an LCD panel used with the still videocamera of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams showing various strobe displays modes on astrobe display section of the LCD panel of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A-5E are diagrams showing a display section indicating the numberof photographic frames/exposure compensation value;

FIGS. 6A-6E are diagrams showing a photographic mode display sectionindicating different modes of operation;

FIGS. 7A-7C; 8A-8D; 9A-9B; and 10A-10B are diagrams showing arecord/playback mode display section portion of the LCD panel of FIG. 3,indicating different operating modes;

FIGS. 11A-11E are diagrams showing a white balance display section ofthe LCD panel FIG. 3 displaying different operating modes;

FIGS. 12A-12D are diagrams showing a time/date display section of theLCD panel of FIG. 3 in the date display operating mode;

FIGS. 13A-13D are diagrams showing the time/date section of the LCDpanel of FIG. 3 in the time display operating mode;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating the steps involved inexecuting the mode changing operation;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the steps that are executed inperforming a PHOTOGRAPHING MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the steps that are executed inperforming a RECORD/PLAYBACK MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the steps that are executed inperforming a WHITE BALANCE MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the steps that are performed inexecuting a TIME/DATE CHANGING SUBROUTINE;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the steps in executing a PLAYBACKMODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE; and

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the steps that are executed inperforming an EXPOSURE COMPENSATION VALUE CHANGING SUBROUTINE.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the present invention is by way of examplewith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing the rear of a still video camera 5which incorporates the present invention. The still video camera 5 ofthe preferred embodiment comprises a rectangular camera body 10 that hasa cover 11 which is located on the top of the camera body 10 proximate aleft edge of the camera body 10. A magnetic disc 37 (shown in FIG. 2) isremovably loaded into the camera 5 via the cover 11. The inner surfaceof the cover 11 has a disk holder which, in a closed position, holds themagnetic disc in a holding state, and when the cover is in an openposition holds the magnetic disc in an unloading state. The cover 11 isnormally biased by a spring member to be rotatably opened, but is lockedby a locking mechanism in the closed position. The locking mechanism isreleased by pressing an eject button 12 located on the camera body 10.

A battery cover 13, located on a rear side of the camera body 10, allowsa battery to be selectively loaded into the camera. A view findereyepiece 14 and an LCD panel 15 are also located on the rear side of thecamera body 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the LCD panel 15 comprises aplurality of display segments for displaying various pieces ofinformation, such as the number of tracks on which signals have alreadybeen recorded, a photographic mode of the camera, a record/playback modeof the camera, and a time/date stamping feature which indicates the dateand time by corresponding letters or icons.

Located below the LCD panel 15 are a plurality of switches, such as apower switch 16, an up/down switch 17, comprising an up-switch 17a and adown-switch 17b, a mode switch 18 that operates as a mode changingactuator means, and a selective switch 19 that functions as a selectormeans. In the preferred embodiment, the power switch 16 comprises a twoposition ON/OFF slide switch, while the up/down switch 17, mode switchand selective switch 19 comprise normally open push button typeswitches.

Located on the top of the camera body 10, proximate a right edge, is arelease button 20, a strobe switch 21, an exposure compensation switch22 and a zoom switch 23, comprising a TELE-switch 23a and a WIDE-switch23b. The release button 20 is actually a two-stage push button, in whicha play switch SWP is turned ON when the release button 20 is depressedhalfway and a release switch SWR is turned ON when the release button 20is fully depressed. The strobe switch 21, exposure compensation switch22 and zoom switch 23 comprise normally open push button switches.

Located on one transverse side of the camera body 10 is a copy/monitorchange-over switch 25, an audio visual (AV) output connector 26 whichserves as a means for connecting the camera 5 to an external apparatus,and a power input jack 27 which serves as an external power source inputterminal. The copy/monitor change-over switch 25 comprises a slideswitch which selects either a composite output signal (or a sound onlymonitor output signal when an audio signal is being reproduced) of theinformation recorded onto the magnetic disc 37 or a demodulated signalthat is outputted to the AV output connector 26.

Located on a front side (not shown in FIG. 1) of the camera body 10 isan objective zoom lens 30, (shown in FIG. 2) a strobe flash unit 52,(shown in FIG. 2) an objective of the view finder, (not shown) and lightprojecting/receiving windows (not shown) for performing range finding.

With reference to FIG. 2, a diaphragm 31 and an image sensor 32 arepositioned behind the zoom lens 30, so that an object to be photographedis focused by the zoom lens onto a light receiving surface of the imagesensor 32. While the preferred embodiment employs a CCD image sensor asthe image sensor 32, other types of image sensors, such as a MOS imagesensor, can be employed without diverging from the scope of theinvention.

A pick-up circuit 34 receives a signal produced by the image sensor 32,which is then forwarded to a system control circuit 33 to perform anintegration (storage of the signal charge) and transfer of the signalcharge. A signal charge of each picture element stored in the imagesensor 32 is outputted to the pick-up circuit 34 which outputs a signalcharge on line 34a to an image recording/reproducing circuit 35 in theform of a video signal. The record/playback circuit 35 processes thevideo signal, converting into a brightness signal Y+S, color differenceline sequential signals B-Y, R-Y and a data signal. These signals arerecorded, after being frequency modulated, by a magnetic head 36 onto apredetermined track of the magnetic disc 37.

The magnetic disc 37 is rotatably driven by a spindle motor 38. Therotational speed of the spindle motor 38 is controlled by a spindlemotor drive circuit 39 which is, in turn, controlled by the systemcontrol circuit 33. Pulses generated by a PG coil 40, as the magneticdisc 37 rotates, are fed back to the spindle motor drive circuit 39.Thus, the spindle motor drive circuit 39 functions as a servo circuit tocontrol the speed of the spindle motor 38, based on the PG signal comingfrom the spindle motor 38. The magnetic head 36 accesses a track on themagnetic disc 37 under the control of a tracking circuit 41. Signals arerecorded onto the magnetic disc 37 using either a field recording or aframe recording technique. The magnetic head 36 is displaced one trackat a time by the operation of the up/down switches 17.

A loading switch 42 detects when the magnetic disc 37 has been loadedinto the camera 5 and produces a detection signal that is supplied tothe system control circuit 33.

The zoom lens 30 is constructed such that a variable magnification lensgroup is moved by a zoom motor 43 along the optical axis of the zoomlens 30, while a focusing lens group is moved by an AF (automaticfocusing) drive circuit 44. The diaphragm 31 is controlled by adiaphragm drive circuit 45. The zoom motor 43, AF drive circuit 44, anddiaphragm drive circuit 45 are controlled by the system control circuit33.

The still video camera further includes a photometric sensor 46, a colortemperature sensor 48 and an AF sensor 50. The photometric sensor 46receives a pencil ray of light that is reflected from the object to bephotographed and converts them to a voltage signal that is forwarded toa photometric circuit 47. The photometric circuit 47 converts thevoltage signal to a corresponding object brightness of a predeterminedform by performing a logarithmic compression and analog-to-digital (A/D)conversion of the voltage signal. The brightness signal is thenoutputted to the system control circuit 33, where a predeterminedexposure calculation is performed according to the object brightnesssignal so as to set an F-stop value of the diaphragm 31 and anintegrating time of the image sensor 32.

The color temperature 48 is responsive to the pencil rays of light,which are outputted to a color temperature detector circuit 49. A colortemperature detector circuit 49 converts the color temperature to colortemperature signals of a predetermined form by performing a logarithmicconversion on the signals. The signals are then outputted to the systemcontrol circuit 33, which arithmetically compares the blue and red colortemperature signals to perform a white balance adjustment.

The AF sensor 50 comprises a triangular distance sensor having a lightprojector and a light receiver. An AF detector detective circuit 51processes an object distance signal outputted from the AF sensor 50 toobtain a distance signal of a predetermined form, which is then inputtedto the system control circuit 33. The system control circuit 33 performsa predetermined operation on the basis of the predetermined distancesignal to calculate a displacement of a focusing lens group 30f which isthen driven to a focusing position by the AF drive circuit 44.

The strobe flashing unit 52 is controlled by the system control circuit33 via a strobe control circuit 53. In the present embodiment, thestrobe has three operating modes: an automatic strobe mode in which thestrobe automatically flashes when the object brightness falls below apredetermined value; a forced strobe mode in which the strobe isforcibly flashed independently of the object brightness; and an off modein which the strobe does not operate. The three operating modes areselected by operating the strobe switch 21.

The still video camera 5 of the present invention has an ability to notonly record and playback video images, but to also record and playbackaudio signals. However, for purposes of simplification, only an audioplayback circuit 54 is shown in FIG. 2. Audio (voice) recording utilizesone track of the magnetic disc 3 in an arrangement that is well known toone of ordinary skill in the art. Consequently, an explanation of theaudio playback circuit 54 need not be given.

The voice reproducing circuit 54 is electrically connected to the imagerecording/reproducing circuit 35. If the signal read by the magnetichead 36 during a playback operation is an audio signal, the imagerecording/playback circuit 35 outputs this audio signal to the audioplayback circuit 54.

The audio playback circuit 54 comprises an analog-to-digital (A/D)converter, random access memory (RAM) and a digital-to-audio (D/A)converter. During an audio playback operation, the audio playbackcircuit 54 demodulates the read signal, converts the audio signalprovided by the image recording/playback circuit 35 to a digital signaland stores the digital signal. The digital signal is then subjected to atime-based expansion process and re-converted to an analog signal whichis outputted as an audio (voice) signal.

The AV output connector 26 is also electrically connected to the imagerecording/playback circuit 35 and the audio playback circuit 54 via thecopy/monitor change-over switch 25. It should be understood that thesystem control circuit 33 comprises a microcomputer which includesvarious components, such as a central processor unit (CPU), read onlymemory (ROM) and RAM to control the still video camera 5. Themicrocomputer of the system control circuit 33 may function as a meansfor changing a plurality of operating modes, such as a photographingmode, depending on the software program contained therein.

The LCD panel 15 used in the camera of the preferred embodimentcomprises a liquid crystal display, though other types of displays, suchas an LED display, could be used without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, letters and icons are displayed on the face of theLCD panel 15. In the LCD panel 15, blank areas represent alight-transmissive area where the liquid crystal is not illuminated,while black filled areas represent light absorptive areas wherein theliquid crystal is illuminated. The display shown in FIG. 3 indicatesthat the magnetic disc 37 has been loaded into the camera 5, the powerswitch 16 has been turned ON and no information has been recorded ontothe disc. When the power switch 16 is turned OFF, all the itemsdisplayed on the LCD panel 15 disappear, except for the calendar display"88--09--12", which represents the year, month and day.

The LCD panel 15 can be classified into six display sections which areused to display the main functions and operating modes of the camera.Modes or operating values can be changed for every display section.Changing or setting a mode or operating value is performed by depressingthe selector switch 19 or the up/down switch 17, while the changing ofthe display sections are effected by depressing the mode switch 18.During a mode changing operation, the set or selected display flashes,indicating that this is a selected mode. The respective displays will bediscussed below, in connection with their functions.

FIG. 4 illustrates a display section associated with the operation ofthe strobe 32. Referring to FIG. 4(A), "AUTO" is illuminated to indicatethat the strobe 52 is set to automatically flash when the brightness ofan object to be photographed falls below a predetermined value.

When the strobe switch 21 is depressed, the display "AUTO" is replacedby the display "ON", as shown in FIG. 4(B). This indicates that the aforced strobe flashing mode has been selected in which, when the releasebutton 20 is depressed, the strobe flashing unit 52 will be forced toflash, irrespective of the object brightness.

When the strobe switch 21 is depressed again, the display "ON" isreplaced by the display "OFF", as shown in FIG. 4(C). This indicatesthat the strobe 52 has been manually turned OFF, so that it neverflashes, even if the brightness of the object to be photographed islower than a predetermined value.

When the strobe switch 21 is depressed once more, the display returns tothe state indicated in FIG. 4(A). Specifically, the displays and themodes are cycled through the AUTO strobe mode, the forced ON strobeflashing mode, and the strobe OFF mode as the strobe switch 21 issuccessively depressed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a display section for indicating a photographingtrack number/exposure compensation value. Referring to FIG. 5(A), thedisplay is illuminated to indicate that a recording will occur on thefirst track. When field recording photography is being performed, theobject to be photographed is recorded on a single track when the releasebutton 20 is depressed to effect an exposure and recording processing.When the object is recorded, the display is successively incremented todisplay "02", "03", etc. That is, the displayed number progressivelyincreases by 1. When frame recording photography is being performed, theobject to be photographed is recorded on a pair of tracks. Therefore,the displayed number progressively increases by increments of 2, i.e.,"03", "05", etc.

When the exposure compensation switch 22 is turned ON, the displaysection for indicating the photographing track number/exposurecompensation value is changed, so as to display exposure compensation(EF) value of "+1.5", as shown in FIG. 5(B). The value "+1.5" indicatesthat the exposure has been increased by a value of +1.5 EV, with respectto the exposure value calculated by the system control circuit 33.Though +1.5 EV is employed as a reference exposure compensation value inthe present embodiment, it is also possible to increase or decrease theexposure value in increments of 0.5 EV, within a range of plus or minus2 EV. The exposure compensation value is displayed on the displaysection for indicating the photographing track number/exposurecompensation value and is simultaneously written into a memory in thesystem control circuit 33.

If the compensation value differs from the reference value, the exposurecompensation value changing display icon "±EF", located below thedisplay icon "+" is illuminated, as shown in FIGS. 5(C) and 5(D). Thisdisplay remains illuminated, even after the display is switched toindicate the photographing track. Thus, an indication is provided to thephotographer that the exposure compensation value differs from thereference value, as shown in FIG. 5(E).

Changing the exposure compensation value is effected by depressing theup/down switch 17 after the exposure compensation switch 22 has beenturned ON (i.e., the camera 5 is in the exposure compensation changingmode). Depressing the up-switch 17a increases the EV compensation valuein increments of 0.5 EV, to a maximum of +2.0 EV. Depressing thedown-switch 17b decreases the EV compensation value in decrements of 0.5EV, to a maximum reduction of -2.0 EV.

The LCD panel 15 also includes an icon in the shape of a battery that isilluminated to warn the photographer that the battery is weak and shouldbe replaced or recharged.

FIG. 6 illustrates a photographing mode display section that is providedon the LCD panel 15. FIG. 6(A) illustrates a single mode operation inwhich a single frame is recorded every time the release button 20 isfully depressed (i,e., the release switch SWR is changed from OFF toON). FIG. 6(B) illustrates a self-timer mode of operation in which arecording is made a predetermined period of time after the releasebutton 20 is fully depressed. FIGS. 6(C), 6(D) and 6(E) illustraterunning shot operating modes of 1 frame/sec., 2 frames/sec. and 5frames/sec., respectively. It should be understood that the term"running shot mode" means that the exposure and recording can berepeated as long as the release switch 20 is fully depressed.

Setting and changing the above-mentioned photographing modes areachieved by depressing the selector switch 19 when the camera 5 is inthe photographing mode changing mode. The photographing mode displaysection successively cycles through the single operating mode, theself-timer mode, the 1 frame/sec. running shot mode, the 2 frames/sec.running shot mode, the 5 frames/sec. running shot mode and back again tothe single operating mode every time the selector switch 19 is depressedwhile the camera is in the photographing mode changing mode.

The still video camera 5 of the present invention has a normal recordmode, in which only an image is recorded; an AV record mode, in whichboth an image and audio are recorded; an erase mode, in which anyinformation recorded on the magnetic disc is erased; and a playbackmode, in which the recorded image or audio track is reproduced.Additionally, the camera has a monitor mode, in which the image beingrecorded can be simultaneously monitored. FIGS. 7 through 10 illustratethe various record/playback modes on a record/playback display sectionof the LCD panel 15.

A normal record mode is represented by illuminating the "NORMAL" and"REC" icons, as shown in FIG. 7(A). The AV record mode is represented byilluminating the "AV" and "REC" icons, as shown in FIG. 7(B). The erasemode is indicated by illuminating the "ERASE" icon, as shown in FIG.7(C). The playback mode is indicated by illuminating the "PLAY" icon, asshown in FIGS. 8(A), 9(A) and 9(B). The monitor mode is represented byilluminating the "MONITOR" icon, as shown in FIGS. 8(C), 8(D), 9(A) and9(B).

The photographing mode setting mode has a plurality of options. Thedisplays shown in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(C) are indicated during a normalphotographing situation, in which the AV connector is not connected to amonitoring device, to indicate a normal record mode, an AV record modeor an erase mode.

When the AV connector is electrically connected to a monitoring device,the displays in FIGS. 8(A) through 8(D) are indicated, based on theoperating mode of the camera 5. Specifically, FIG. 8(A) illustrates aplayback operating mode; FIG. 8(B) illustrates an erase operating mode;FIG. 8(C) illustrates a normal record/monitor operating mode; and FIG.8(D) illustrates an AV record/monitor operating mode.

Changing the record/playback operating mode is effected by depressingthe selector switch 19 when the camera is in the record/playback modechanging mode. The indicated display cycles through displays shown inFIGS. 7(A) to 7(C) and back to FIG. 7(A) each time the selector switch19 is successively depressed, as long as the AV connector is notelectrically connected to a monitoring device. When the AV connector iselectrically connected to monitoring device and the selector switch 19is depressed, the LCD panel 15 cycles through the displays shown inFIGS. 8(A) to 8(D) and back to FIG. 8(A).

FIGS. 9A, 9B illustrate a stand-by playback condition and a playbackcondition, respectively, when the camera is in the playback operatingmode. Once the playback mode has been set by the record/playback modechanging mode, the playback display "PLAY" flashes, as shown in FIG.9(A). Upon depressing the release button 20 halfway (so as to turn ONthe play switch SWP), playback of the recorded information begins. Atthat time, the "PLAY" icon is illuminated, as shown in FIG. 9(B).

FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) illustrate a normal record/monitor operating mode.Once the normal record/monitor mode has been set by the record/playbackoperating mode changing mode, the "NORMAL" and "MONITOR" icons flash, asshow in FIG. 10(A). When the release button 20 (play switch SWP isturned ON), monitoring starts and the "NORMAL" and "MONITOR" icons areilluminated, as shown in FIG. 10(B).

FIGS. 11(A) to 11(E) illustrate various white balance mode displays asindicated on a white balance display section of the LCD panel 15. Theicon "WB" represents white balance. The icons "AUTO" represents that thecamera 5 is placed in an automatic white balance adjustment mode;"CLOUD" represents that the camera 5 has been set to adjust the whitebalance for a cloudy weather scene; "SUN" represents that the camera 5has been set to adjust the white balance for a sunny scene; "FLUORESCENTLAMP" represent that the camera 5 has been set to adjust the whitebalance for a scene in which a fluorescent lamp is present; and"INCANDESCENT LAMP" represents that the camera 5 has been set to adjustthe white balance for a scene in which an incandescent lamp is present.

The white balance is selectively adjusted to either the auto, cloudyweather, sunny weather, fluorescent lamp or incandescent lamp mode. Thedisplay section corresponding to the selected mode is then illuminated.The setting of the white balance adjustment is effected by depressingthe selector switch 19 when the camera 5 is in the white balancechanging mode. As the selector switch 19 is repeatedly depressed, thesetting of the white balance cycles from the automatic mode to thecloudy weather mode, to the fine weather mode, to the fluorescent lampmode, to the incandescent lamp mode and back to the automatic mode.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a time/date stamping display section of theLCD panel 15 of the camera 5, constructed according to the preferredembodiment. The time/date stamping display section is used forselectively displaying the date and time. The date or time is alwaysdisplayed on the LCD panel 15 as long as a battery has sufficient powerto operate the camera 5, regardless of the setting of the power switch16.

FIG. 12 illustrates a date display, such as Sept. 12, 1988. FIG. 13illustrates a time display, such as 11:34:57. Hyphens, "-", areinterposed between respective figures to indicate that the display isindicating a date. Conversely, colons, ":", are interposed betweenrespective figures to indicate that the display is indicating a time.

Adjusting the date or time is effected by depressing the up/down switch17 when the camera 5 is in the time/date stamping changing mode. Whenthe camera is set by depressing the mode switch 18 when the camera is inthe time/date stamping changing mode, the hyphen "-" flashes for thedate display and the colon ":" flashes for the time display, as shown inFIGS. 12(A) and 13(A).

The first time the selector switch 19 is depressed, the left-mostdisplay section begins to flash, to indicate that the year or hour canbe set, as shown in FIGS. 12(B) and 13(B). Subsequent depressions of theselector switch 19 causes the flashing display section to cycle throughthe year (hour), month (minute), day (second), and back to the year(hour).

When the up/down switch 17 is depressed during the period for which anysection is flashing, a numerical value displayed on this section isincremented within a predetermined range. For example, if the monthdisplay section is flashing, as shown in FIG. 13(C), depressing theup-switch 17a causes the displayed numerical value to cycle between"10", "11", "12", "01", "02", "03", "04", "05", "06", "07", "08", "09",and back to "10". Depressing the down-switch 17b causes the displayednumerical value to change in the reverse direction. Though only twodisplay formats of date and time are shown in this embodiment, thedisplay formats are not limited to these two formats. For example, theyear-month-day display may be replaced by a month-day-year display.Alternatively, the hour-minute-second display may be replaced by aday-hour-minute display. It can even be arranged so that these fourdisplay formats may be selectively employed.

Referring to FIG. 3, a square icon represents whether the magnetic disc37 has been loaded into the camera 5. The square icon is illuminatedwhen the magnetic disc 37 has been loaded into the camera and theloading switch 42 is ON.

The operating mode changing mode is cyclically changed by depressing themode switch 17 in a manner to be described below.

When the magnetic disc 37 has been loaded and the power switch 16 is ON,the LCD panel 15 is illuminated, without flashing, as shown in FIG. 3.The first time the selector switch 19 is depressed, the photographingoperating mode changing mode is selected and self-timer mode iconflashes, as shown in FIG. 6(B). When the selector switch 19 is depressedagain, the flashing display on the photographing mode display sectionchanges in the order described above.

When the mode switch 18 is depressed during the flashing condition ofthe photographing mode display section or during the initial condition,the display section changes from flashing to being fully illuminated. Atthe same time, the mode is changed over to the record/playback modechanging mode. As a result, the record/playback mode display section(i.e., normal record mode display) begins to flash, as shown in FIG.7(A).

Depressing the mode switch 18 from the state as just mentioned changesthe display segment from the flashing display to an illuminated display.Simultaneously, the operating mode of the camera 5 changes to the whitebalance setting mode. The white balance mode display section then beginsto flash, as shown in FIG. 11(A).

When the mode switch 18 is depressed again, the flashing display ischanged to an illuminated display and the operating mode of the camerais changed to the time/date changing mode. As a result, the date displayon the time/date display section starts flashing, as show in FIG. 12(A).When the mode switch 18 is depressed once more, the time/date displaysection changes to flashing the time, as shown in FIG. 13(B).

When the mode switch 18 is depressed again, the flashing time displaychanges, wherein the time display is fully illuminated. At the sametime, the operating mode of the camera changes to the photographing modesetting mode. As a result, the photographing mode display section startsflashing. In other words, the mode setting mode cyclically changes witheach depression of the mode switch 18.

When the release button 20 (play switch SWP) is turned ON, the modesetting mode is released and all of the display sections becomeilluminated to indicate the entered settings.

After the mode setting has made a complete cycle, the date display ischanged to indicate the time. By repeated depressings of the mode switch18, the display on the time/date display section is changed from thetime display mode back to the date display mode. Thus, the date displayand the time display on the time/date display section can be easilychanged from one display to another by merely depressing the mode switch18. It should be understood that, according to the preferred embodiment,the time/date display is controllably driven by an automatic time/datecircuit that is part of the system control circuit 33.

A basic operation of the still video camera 5 will now be discussed.

When the magnetic disc 37 is loaded into the camera, the loadingdetector switch 42 is turned ON, which is detected by the system controlcircuit 33. When the power switch 16 is turned ON, the spindle motor 38starts rotating the magnetic disc 37 at a predetermined rate ofrotation. Consequently, the magnetic head 36 accesses the first(outermost) track, to determine whether there is any information. Thechecking step is achieved by scanning the surface of the magnetic disk37 with the magnetic head 36. Any signals detected by the magnetic head36 are supplied to the system control circuit 33, which determineswhether the magnetic head 36 has picked up any valid image or audiosignals from the scanned track.

The magnetic head 36 is positioned on this track if the latter has noinformation recorded thereon, and is transferred to the next track ifthe first track has any information recorded thereon. The next track isthen checked in the same manner as the first track. As a result of thechecking, the magnetic head 36 is positioned on the first track whichproves to contain any valid audio or image information. Thus, a positioninitialization of the magnetic head 36 is completed and the track numberon which the magnetic disc 36 is positioned is displayed on thephotographing track number/exposure compensation display section of theLCD panel 15.

When the release button 20 is depressed halfway, the play switch SWP isturned ON. This actuates the photometric circuit 47, the AF detectorcircuit 51 and the color temperature detector circuit 37, so that thephotometric calculation, the range finding calculation and the whitebalance calculation can be performed by the system control circuit 33.

Based on the result of the above calculations, the diaphragm 31 isopened by the diaphragm drive circuit 45 to a predetermined F-stop valueand the focussing lens group of the objective zoom lens 30 is moved bythe AF drive circuit 44 to the proper focussing position, so as toobtain a white balance adjustment value for the pickup circuit 34. Ifthe photometric value is lower than a predetermined value, i.e., theobject to be photographed is dark, the strobe control circuit 53 isinitiated to start the charging of a strobe capacitor.

When the release button 20 is fully depressed so as to turn ON therelease switch SWR, an integration start/stop processing of the imagesensor 32 occurs and video signals are outputted from the image sensor32. These video signals are processed by the pickup circuit 34 and theimage record/playback circuit 35 to produce a predetermined frequencymodulated (FM) signal, which is recorded onto a track of the magneticdisc 37 by the magnetic head 36.

When the recording process is completed, the magnetic head 36 ispositioned proximate the next track and the display on the photographingtrack number display section of the LCD panel 15 is incremented by one(when a field recording process is used; otherwise, the track number isincremented by two).

The camera operation as described above is a standard photographingoperation. With the still video camera of the present invention, it ispossible to record the date and/or the time onto a data sector of thetrack as part of the data signals of a recorded image.

When the camera is in the playback operation mode, the AV connector 26is electrically connected to a monitoring device, such as a monitor TVset. Consequently, a connector mating detector switch 56 is turned ON,which is detected by the system control circuit 33 so that the playbackoperating mode is selected. At the same time, the record/playback modedisplay section of the LCD panel 15 begins flashing "PLAY" icon, asshown in FIG. 8(A).

When the release button 20 is depressed in the playback mode, signalsrecorded on a given track are read by the magnetic head 36 and outputtedto the record/playback circuit 35, which determines whether thereproduced signals are video signals or audio signals.

If the signals are audio signals, they are outputted to the soundplayback circuit 54 and the copy/monitor change-over switch 25. Theaudio signal retrieved from the magnetic disc is temporarily stored in amemory in the sound playback circuit 54, subjected to a time-basedexpansion process, and outputted from the memory to the copy/monitorchange-over switch 25.

If the retrieved signals are image signals, a demodulated separatedbrightness Y+S signal, color difference signal LSC and composite outputsignal are outputted to the copy/monitor change-switch 25. These signalsare then outputted from the copy/monitor change-over switch 25 to the AVoutput connector 26 via a path to be described below.

If the copy/monitor change-over switch 25 has been switched to the copyside, audio signals outputted from the sound playback circuit 54 areoutputted to the AV output connector 26, while image signals (i.e.,brightness Y+S signal and the color difference signal LSC) are outputtedto the AV output connector 26. If the change-over switch 25 has been setto the monitor position, audio signals from the record/playback circuit35 are outputted to the AV output connector 26, while image signals(i.e., a composite video signal) is outputted to the AV output connector26. In this manner, dubbing can be performed with the signals beingsubstantially free from distortion and noise because demodulated, ratherthan composite video signals are used.

If the connector mating detector switch 56 has not been turned ON, i.e.,the AV connector is not electrically connected to the AV outputconnector 26, no change over to the playback mode occurs, even if themode switch 18 is operated. Thus, battery consumption is not needlesslyused.

The operation of the system control circuit 33, as it relates to themode changing operation and the display thereof for the still videocamera of the present invention will now be described. Reference shouldbe made to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14A through 20. However, prior to thedetailed description, a main operation of the system control circuit 33will be summarized.

The system control circuit 33, as previously mentioned, includes a CPUwhich operates in accordance with a software program stored in a ROM ofthe CPU to realize the mode changing operation of the present invention.

When the power switch 16 is turned ON, a mode setting bit, interruptenabling bit and certain other conditions are initialized. The memoryassociated with the display for indicating the number of photographingtracks is initialized when the loading switch 42 is turned OFF, i.e.,upon removal of the magnetic disc 37 from the camera 5.

After the initialization steps have been completed, theposition-initialization of the magnetic head 36 and the displaying ofinformation on the LCD panel 15 are executed. After theposition-initialization of the magnetic head 36 has been performed, theinterval timer starts and the status of the switches 18 and 20-23 areinputted at predetermined intervals.

If any one of the switches 18, 20-23 is ON, a subroutine associated withthe switch is executed. For example, if the zoom switch 23 is ON, asubroutine associated with a zooming operation is executed and the zoomlens group 30 is moved under the control of the zoom motor drive circuit43 to achieve a desired zooming. Similarly, if the release button 20(PLAY switch SWP) is turned ON while the camera is in the record mode, asubroutine associated with the photographing mode is executed and theprocessing of exposure factors, such as AF, photometric calculation,adjustment of the diaphragm, integration and white balance adjustment,and processing for recording the image onto the magnetic disc 37, etc.,are controlled. If the mode switch 18 is ON, a mode setting subroutineis executed and the mode setting is controlled.

When the power switch 16 has been turned ON and predetermined conditionshave been initialized, mode Number M is set to 0. Mode Number M isincremented every time the mode switch 18 is turned ON and the valuethereof cyclically changes within a range from 0 to 4. It should beunderstood that a photographing mode changing subroutine is called whenmode Number M is 0, a white balance mode changing subroutine is calledwhen mode Number M is 2, and a time/date mode changing subroutine iscalled when mode Number M is 3 or 4.

N represents a select number which corresponds to certain mode Numbers,such as N(0), N(1), N(2), N(3) and N(4). The select value associatedwith each select Number N is incremented up to 4, every time theselector switch 19 is turned ON, at which time it is reset to 0. Inother words, the select values cyclically change. The data displayed onthe respective sections of the LCD panel 15 are determined by the valuesof the select Number N.

When the up/down switch 17 is operated, the magnetic head 37 issuccessively moved toward the outermost or innermost track. Turning ONthe selector switch 19 causes the photographing modes to change. Adiscussion relating to the operation of the magnetic head 37 accessoperation is unnecessary for an understanding of the present invention.Accordingly, an explanation thereof is omitted.

The operation of the system control circuit 33 in the mode changeprocessing will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.When the mode switch 18 or the selector switch 19 is turned ON, thecamera switches from a standby mode to execute a MODE CHANGINGSUBROUTINE. The MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE functions to select anoperating mode to be made ready for mode changing.

In a step 100, a determination is made as to whether the AV connectorhas been mated with the AV connector 26 (i.e., is the connector matingdetector switch 56 ON?). If the connector mating detector switch is ON,the subroutine proceeds to step 102 to set the record/playback mode tothe normal playback mode and illuminate the "NORMAL PLAY" icon on therecord/playback display section of the LCD panel 15. Processing thenproceeds to step 103 to set mode Number M to 1. In this way, theconnection of the AV connector with the AV output connector 26automatically sets the mode Number M to 1, which is a ready conditionfor the record/playback mode setting mode, as will be described below inmore detail. Processing then proceeds to step 104.

If the switch 56 is OFF, the subroutine proceeds to step 101 to set therecord/playback mode to the normal record mode and illuminate the"NORMAL REC" icon on the record/playback display section of the LCDpanel 15, after which the subroutine proceeds to step 104.

Step 104 checks whether the mode switch 18 has been turned ON. If it isON, the subroutine proceeds to step 107, while if the switch 18 is OFF,the subroutine proceeds to step 105. In other words, the subroutineproceeds to the step 107 so long as the mode switch 18 remainsdepressed.

If the mode switch 18 is not depressed, step 105 checks whether thepower switch 16 is ON. If the power switch is OFF, the subroutineproceeds to an END process. If the power switch 18 is ON, the subroutineproceeds to step 120. The END process is a process that exits from thesubroutine. After the subroutine exits, the stand-by condition isrestored. When the mode switch 18 is turned ON, this subroutine isre-executed.

If step 104 determines that the mode switch 18 is ON, step 107 checkswhether the power switch 16 has been turned ON. If the switch 16 is ON,the subroutine proceeds to step 110 to increment the mode Number M by 1,before proceeding to step 111. By incrementing the mode Number M by 1,the operating mode to is to be made ready for mode changing cyclicallychanges, so long as the mode switch 18 continues to be ON. If the switch16 is OFF, the subroutine proceeds to a step 108.

Step 108 checks whether the mode Number M is less than 3. If it is lessthan 3, the subroutine proceeds to step 109 to set the mode Number M to3, before proceeding to step 111. If it is not less than 3, processingproceeds to step 111, without changing the mode Number M.

When this subroutine is entered and the power switch 16 is turned OFF,steps 107 to 109 cause the mode Number M to be set to 3, therebyenabling a TIME/DATE CHANGING subroutine, which will be described below.

Step 111 checks whether the mode Number M is equal to 3. If it is equalto 3, the subroutine proceeds to the END process. The END processchanges the display on the time/date display section of the LCD panel 15to the date display. If it is not equal to 3, step 112 is performed tocheck whether the mode number M is equal to 4.

If the mode Number M is equal to 4, processing proceeds to step 113 tocheck whether flag A has been set. If the mode Number M is not equal to4, processing continues at step 116.

If step 113 determines that flag A is not set, it is set in step 114,after which the subroutine advances to the END process. If step 113determines that flag A is set, the flag is reset in step 115, afterwhich the subroutine advances to the END process. Flag A functions tochange the display on the time/date display section of the LCD panel 15between the date display and the time display. Accordingly, flag A isinverted by the processes at steps 113 through 115 and the displaymanners corresponding to select Numbers N(3) and N(4) (date display andtime display) are interchanged.

Step 116 sets select Number N(3) to 0. Thereafter, select Number N(4) isset to 0 in step 117 before processing advances to step 118. It shouldbe understood that select Numbers N(3) and N(4) represent the time/datemode changing mode and 0 represents a condition in which no time/datemode changing occurs.

Step 118 checks whether mode Number M is greater than or equal to 5. Ifit is larger than or equal to 5, the subroutine proceeds to step 119where mode Number M is set to 0. Thereafter, the subroutine proceeds tothe END process. If it is less than 5, the subroutine proceeds directlyto the END process. Specifically, mode Number M can be selectively setto 0 through 4, according to the present embodiment. Therefore, modeNumber M is reset to 0 at steps 118 and 119 when mode Number M becomes 5or larger. Accordingly, five repeated depressions of the mode switch 18(four repeated depressions if the AV connector has been electricallyconnected to the AV output connector 26) brings the count value of modeNumber M from 4 back to 0.

If the selector switch 19 is ON when step 106 is being performed, thesubroutine proceeds to step 120, where select Number N(M) is incrementedby 1. More specifically, mode Number M is incremented by 1 and selectNumber N is set to a value corresponding to mode Number M. Then, thesubroutine proceeds to step 121.

Step 121 checks whether mode Number M is 0. If it is equal to 0, step122 is performed to execute the PHOTOGRAPHING MODE SETTING MODESUBROUTINE. Thereafter, the subroutine proceeds to the END process. Ifmode Number M is not 0, the subroutine proceeds to step 123.

Step 123 checks whether mode Number M is 1. If it is equal to 1 step 124executes the RECORD/PLAYBACK MODE SETTING SUBROUTINE. Thereafter, thesubroutine proceeds to the END process. If mode Number M is not equal to1, the subroutine proceeds to step 125.

Step 125 checks whether mode Number M is 2. If it is equal to 2, step126 executes the WHITE BALANCE MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE. Thereafter, thesubroutine proceeds to the END process. If mode Number M is not equal to2, the subroutine advances to step 127.

Step 127 checks whether mode Number M is 3 or 4. If it is equal to 3 or4, step 128 executes the TIME/DATE MODE SETTING SUBROUTINE. Thereafter,the subroutine advances to the END process. If mode Number M is notequal to 3 or 4, the subroutine advances to step 129.

Step 129 resets mode Number M to 0 and then proceeds to the END process.

After the END process has been executed, the release switch SWR isturned ON. Thus, the mode setting mode is released.

The mode changing processes in the respective modes, as mentioned above,will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15-18. When theseprocesses are started, conditions ready for the photographing modechanging, record/playback mode changing, white balance mode changing andtime/date display mode changing are respectively established.

Mode Number M is 0 when the selector switch 19 is first turned ON or themode switch 18 is turned ON five times and the selector switch 19 isturned ON once with the power switch 16 being ON. This is determined instep 121, which then proceeds to step 122 from which the PHOTOGRAPHINGMODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE, shown in FIG. 15, is executed.

In the PHOTOGRAPHING MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE, step 130 checks whetherselect Number N(0) is 1. If it is equal to 1, step 131 is performed toexecute the SELF-TIMER MODE SETTING SUBROUTINE. Step 131 executes theself-timer mode setting process, and changes the display on thephotographing mode display section of the LCD panel 15 to that shown inFIG. 6(B). Thereafter, the subroutine advances to the END process. Ifselect Number N(0) is not equal to 1, the subroutine proceeds to step132.

Step 132 checks whether select Number(0) is 2. If it is equal to 2, step133 is performed to execute the SINGLE FRAME/SEC. RUNNING MODESUBROUTINE. Step 133 executes the single frame/sec. running shot modesetting, and changes the display on the photographing mode displaysection of the LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 6(C). Thereafter,processing advances to the END process. If select Number N(0) is not 2,the subroutine advances to step 134.

Step 134 checks whether select Number N(0) is 3. If it is equal to 3,step 135 is performed to execute the 2 FRAMES/SEC. RUNNING SHOT MODESUBROUTINE. Step 135 executes the 2 frames/sec. running shot modesetting, and changes the display on the photographing mode displaysection of the LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 6(D). Thereafter,processing proceeds to the END process. If select Number N(0) is not 3,the subroutine proceeds to a step 136.

Step 136 checks whether select No. N(0) is 4. If it is equal to 4, step137 is performed to execute the 5 FRAMES/SEC. RUNNING SHOT MODESUBROUTINE. Step 137 executes the 5 frames/sec. running shot modesetting, and changes the display on the photographing mode displaysection of the LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 6(E). Thereafter,processing advances to the END process. If select Number N(0) is not 4,the subroutine proceeds to step 138.

Step 138 sets select Number N(0) to 0 and then proceeds to step 139.After the selector switch 19 has been depressed 5 times, select Number(0) is returned from 4 to 0 in step 138.

Step 139 executes the single shot mode setting, and changes the displayon the photographing mode display section of the LCD panel 15 to thatshown in FIG. 6(A). Thereafter, processing proceeds to the END process.

In conclusion, if the selector switch 19 is depressed when the powerswitch is turned ON, the processes at steps 100, 104, 105, 106, 120 and122 are repeated every time the selector switch 19 is turned ON, or aslong as the selector switch 19 remains turned ON and the photographingmode cyclically changes from the single mode, to the self-timer mode, tothe single frame/sec. running shot mode, to the 2 frames/sec. runningshot mode, to the 5 frames/sec running shot mode, and back again to thesingle mode.

The foregoing description relates to the PHOTOGRAPHING MODE SETTINGSUBROUTINE which occurs when the selector switch 19 is depressed or whenthe mode switch 18 is depressed five times and the selector switch 19 isdepressed once from the state under the condition that the AV connectoris not mated to the AV output connector 26, after the power switch 16has been turned ON.

The process that occurs when the mode switch 18 is depressed once afterthe power switch 16 has been turned 0N will now be described, withreference to FIG. 16. A single depression of the mode switch 18 changesthe mode Number M from 0 to 1. Therefore, step 123 proceeds to step 124,from which the RECORD/PLAYBACK MODE SETTING SUBROUTINE (FIG. 16) isentered.

In the RECORD/PLAYBACK MODE SETTING SUBROUTINE, step 140 checks whetherthe connector mating detector switch 56 has been turned ON. That is,switch 56 is checked to determine whether the monitor or copy mode, inwhich the AV connector is electrically connected to the AV outputconnector 26, is established. If switch 56 is ON, the subroutineproceeds to step 146, while if the switch is OFF, the subroutineproceeds to step 141.

Step 141 checks whether select Number N(1) is 1; that is, whether theselector switch 19 has been turned ON one time. If a positivedetermination is obtained, the subroutine proceeds to step 142, while ifa negative determination is obtained, the subroutine proceeds to step143.

Step 142 executes the AV record mode setting, and changes the display onthe record/playback mode display section of the LCD panel 15 to thatshown in FIG. 7(B) before proceeding to the END process.

Step 143 checks whether select Number N(1) is 2, that is, whether theselector switch 19 has been depressed twice. If the determination ispositive, the subroutine proceeds to step 144, while if thedetermination is negative, the subroutine proceeds to step 145.

Step 144 executes the erase mode setting, and changes the display on therecord/playback mode display section of the LCD panel 15 to that shownin FIG. 7(C). Thereafter, processing proceeds to the END process.

Step 145 executes the normal record mode setting, and changes thedisplay on the record/playback display section to that shown in FIG.7(A) before advancing to step 153, which sets select Number N(1) to 0and then proceeds to the END process. Specifically, step 120 incrementsthe select Number (N), from the initial value of 0, by 1 every time theselector switch 19 is depressed. When select Number (N) reaches 3, step153 resets this to 0, so that select Number (N) cyclically changeswithin a range from 0 to 2.

In conclusion, if the AV connector is not electrically connected to theAV output connector 26, the mode is set to any one of the normal recordmodes, the AV/record mode and the erase record mode and any one of thesemodes can be selected by operating the selector switch 19.

As mentioned above, step 140 jumps to step 146 if the AV connector hasbeen electrically connected to the AV output connector 26. Step 146checks whether select Number (1) is 1, that is, whether the selectorswitch 19 has been depressed one time. If the determination is positive,the subroutine proceeds to step 147, while if the determination isnegative, the subroutine proceeds to step 148.

Step 147 executes the erase mode setting operation, and changes thedisplay on the record/playback display section of the LCD panel 15 tothat shown in FIG. 8(B), before proceeding to the END process.

Step 148 checks whether select Number N(1) is 2, that is, whether theselector switch has been depressed twice. If the determination ispositive, the subroutine proceeds to step 149. If the determination isnegative, the subroutine proceeds to step 150.

Step 149 executes the record normal monitor mode setting operation, andchanges the display on the record/playback display section of the LCDpanel 15 to that shown in FIG. 8(C). Thereafter, the END process isperformed.

Step 150 checks whether select Number N(1) is 3; that is, whether theselector switch 19 has been depressed three times. If the selectorswitch has been depressed three times, step 151 is executed. However, ifthe selector switch has not been depressed three times, the subroutineproceeds to step 152.

Step 151 executes the AV record monitor mode setting operation andchanges the display on the record/playback mode display section of theLCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 8 (D). Then, the END process isexecuted.

Step 152 executes the playback mode setting operation and changes thedisplay on the record/playback display section to that shown in FIG.8(A). Then, select Number N(1) is set to 0 in step 153 and the ENDprocess is performed.

More specifically, step 120 increments select Number (N), from aninitial value of 0, by 1 every time the selector switch 19 is depressed.When select Number (N) reaches 4, step 153 is performed to reset selectNumber (N) back to 0. Thus, select Number (N) changes within a rangefrom 0 to 3.

In conclusion, when the AV connector is not electrically connected tothe AV output connector 26, the RECORD/PLAYBACK MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINEchanges, at predetermined intervals, the record/playback operating modeevery time the selector switch 19 is turned ON or so long as theselector switch 19 remains turned ON, in the following order: recordnormal mode; AV record mode; erase mode; and back to the record normalmode.

When the AV connector is electrically connected to the AV outputconnector 26, the RECORD/PLAYBACK MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE changes, atpredetermined intervals, the record/playback operating mode in thefollowing order: erase mode; record normal monitor mode; record AVmonitor mode; playback mode; and then back to the erase mode. With thestill video camera of the present invention, the record mode isautomatically switched to the playback mode when the AV connector ismated to the AV output connector 26. Similarly, the playback mode isautomatically switched back to the record mode when the AV connector isdisconnected from the AV output connector 26. Thus, the ease ofoperation of the camera is significantly improved over the prior art.

Furthermore, changing over to the record operating mode can also beachieved by operating the mode switch 18 when the AV connector iselectrically connected to the AV output connector 26, so that arecording can be performed in accordance with an intended picturecomposition by monitoring the process in the record mode. In the case ofa still video camera that does not have a monitoring mode, it ispossible to eliminate the record/playback mode change-over switch 25,further reducing the size of the camera, while also simplifying its use.

When the AV connector is not electrically connected to the AV outputconnector 26, it is not possible to switch the camera to the playbackmode by operating the mode switch 18. Though the present embodimentutilizes the connector mating detector switch 56 to check whether the AVinput connector of the external apparatus is electrically connected tothe AV output connector 26, other detection means may be employed, suchas by employing a photocoupler or detecting the impedance of theattached external apparatus.

The process that occurs when the mode switch 18 is depressed two timesafter the power switch 16 has been turned ON will now be described withreference to FIG. 17.

Mode Number M changes to 2 when the mode switch 18 is depressed twotimes. Thus, the processing at step 125 (FIG. 14(B) proceeds to step 126from which the WHITE BALANCE (WB) MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE is executed.

In the WHITE BALANCE MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE, step 160 checks whetherselect Number N(2) is 1, that is, whether the selector switch 19 hasbeen depressed only once. If switch 19 has been depressed once, thesubroutine proceeds to step 161, while if the determination is negative,the subroutine proceeds to step 162.

Step 161 sets the white balance mode to a first manual (cloudy weather)white balance mode and changes the display on the white balance displaysection of the LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 11(B) beforeproceeding to the END process.

Step 162 checks whether select Number N(2) is 2, that is, whether theselector switch 19 has been depressed twice. If switch 19 has beendepressed twice, the subroutine proceeds to a step 163. Otherwise, thesubroutine proceeds to step 164.

Step 163 sets the white balance mode to a second manual (fine weather)white balance mode and changes the display on the white balance displaysection of the LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 11(C) beforeproceeding to the END process.

Step 164 checks whether select Number N(2) is 3, that is, whether theselector switch 19 has been depressed three times. If it has beendepressed three times, the subroutine proceeds to step 165. Otherwise,processing continues to step 166.

Step 165 sets the white balance mode to a third manual (fluorescentlamp) white balance mode and changes the display on the white balancedisplay section of the LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 11(D) beforeit performs the END process.

Step 166 checks whether select Number N(2) is 4, that is, whether theselector switch 19 has been depressed four times. If the determinationis positive, step 167 is executed, while if the determination isnegative, the subroutine proceeds to step 168.

Step 167 sets the white balance mode to a fourth manual (incandescentlamp) white balance mode and changes the display on the white balancedisplay section of the LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 11(E) beforeexecuting the END process.

Step 168 sets select Number N(2) to 0, resetting the counter. Step 120increments select Number (N), from the initial value of 0, by 1 everytime the selector switch 19 is turned ON. When select Number (N) reaches5, step 168 resets it to 0. Thus, the value changes within a range from0 to 4.

Step 169 sets the white balance mode to an automatic white balance modeand changes the display on the white balance display section to thatshown in FIG. 11(A) before executing the END process.

In conclusion, the WHITE BALANCE MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE cyclicallychanges the white balance mode, every time the selector switch 19 isdepressed, in the following order: automatic white balance mode; cloudyweather white balance mode; fine weather white balance mode; fluorescentlamp white balance mode; incandescent lamp white balance mode; and backto the automatic white balance mode.

The process of the TIME/DATE MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE, occurs when themode switch 18 is depressed 3 or 4 times after the power switch 16 hasbeen turned ON, will now be described with reference to FIG. 18.

Depressing the mode switch 18 three or four times changes mode Number Mto 3 or 4. Therefore step 127 (FIG. 14(B)) proceeds to step 128, fromwhich the TIME/DATE MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE is entered.

In the TIME/DATE MODE CHANGING SUBROUTINE, step 170 checks whetherselect Number N (3) or N(4) is 1, that is, whether the selector switch19 has been depressed once. If the determination is positive, thesubroutine proceeds to step 171. Otherwise, the subroutine proceeds tostep 174.

Step 171 checks whether flag A has been set. If it has not been set, thesubroutine proceeds to step 172, wile if it has been set, the subroutineproceeds to step 173.

Step 172 executes the "hour" changing mode setting and changes thedisplay on the time/date display section of the LCD panel 15 to thatshown in FIG. 13(B). Thereafter, processing proceeds to the END process.

Step 173 executes the "year" changing mode setting and changes thedisplay on the time/date display section of the LCD panel 15 to thatshown in FIG. 12(B), before proceeding to the END process.

Step 174 checks whether select Number N(3) or N(4) is 2, that is,whether the selector switch 19 has been depressed twice. If it has beenpressed twice, the subroutine proceeds to step 175. Otherwise, thesubroutine proceeds to step 178.

Step 175 checks whether flag A has been set. If it has not been set,this indicates the minute change mode setting should be displayed (step176). This changes the display on the time/date display section of theLCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 13(C). If the flag has been set, step177 performs the month change mode setting display. This changes thedisplay on the time/date display section of the LCD panel 15 to thatshown in FIG. 12(C). After step 176 or step 177 is executed, processingproceeds to the END process.

Step 178 checks whether select Number N(3) or N(4) is 3, that is,whether the selector switch 19 has been depressed three times. If thedetermination is positive, the subroutine proceeds to step 179. If thedetermination is negative, the subroutine proceeds to step 182.

Step 179 checks whether flag A has been set. If it has not been set, thesubroutine proceeds to step 180 to execute the second changing modesetting, which changes the display on the time/date display section ofthe LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 13(D). If the flag has been set,the subroutine proceeds to step 181 to execute the day changing modesetting, which changes the display on the time/date display section ofthe LCD panel 15 to that shown in FIG. 12(D).

Step 182 resets select Number N(3) and N(4) to 0 and then proceeds tostep 183. Select Number (N) is incremented by 1 every time the selectorswitch 19 is depressed. When select Number (N) reaches 4, step 182operates to reset it to 0. Thus, select Number (N) changes within therange from 0 to 3.

Step 183 releases the time/date changing mode, stops flashing thetime/date display section of the LCD panel 15, displays the data set bythe mode setting process and then proceeds to the END process. Thus, thetime/date changing mode is released after the selector switch 19 hasbeen depressed four times.

The TIME/DATE CHANGING SUBROUTINE cyclically changes the flashingdisplay (changing data), every time the selector switch 19 is turned ON,in the order of year--month--day--(setting)--year, if flag A has beenset (i.e., the date display mode). In a similar manner, the flashingdisplay (changing data) is cyclically changed every time the selectorswitch 19 is turned ON, in the order ofhour--minute--second--(setting)--hour, if flag A has been reset (i.e.,the time display mode). The flashing date display is successivelyincreased or decreased every time the up/down switch 17 is depressedwhile the time/date display section is flashing.

In the above-mentioned mode setting subroutines, when the release switchSWR is turned ON after the execution of the END process, if there is aflashing display, the flashing displayed mode or value is set and thedisplay is switched from a flashing display to a fully on (illuminated)display.

The photographing mode can be changed merely by operating the selectorswitch 19. The other modes, (i.e., the record/playback mode, the whitebalance mode and the time/date mode) can be selected by operating themode switch 18, and the mode or value can be changed by operating theselector switch 19. In addition, the mode is automatically switchedover, for example, to the playback mode, the monitor mode, etc. upon theconnection of the AV input connector to the AV output connector 26.

The manner in which the system control circuit 33 operates when the AVinput connector is electrically connected to the AV output connector 26will now be discussed with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19.

When the magnetic disc 37 is loaded into the camera body, the loadingdetector switch 42 is turned ON. Assuming the AV input connector iselectrically connected to the AV output connector 26, the connectormating detector switch 56 will be turned ON. If the power switch 16 isalready ON, the play switch SWP will be turned ON. Thus, a PLAYSUBROUTINE is executed.

In the PLAY SUBROUTINE, step 191 checks whether the current mode is therecord mode. If it is not the record mode, the subroutine proceeds tostep 192. Otherwise, the subroutine proceeds to step 197.

Step 192 checks whether the current mode is the playback mode. If thedetermination is negative, the subroutine proceeds to step 193. However,if the determination is positive, the subroutine proceeds to step 203.

Step 193 checks whether the current mode is the monitor mode. A negativedetermination results in the execution of the END process, while if thedetermination is positive, the subroutine proceeds to step 194.

Step 194 checks whether the monitor start flag has been set. If it hasbeen set, this indicates that the monitor process has already beenexecuted. Thus, the subroutine proceeds to the END process. However, ifthe flag has not been set, the subroutine proceeds to step 195 to setthe monitor start flag, start the monitor operation (step 196) andperform the END process. The term "monitor" represents the mode in whichthe video signals outputted from the CCD image sensor 32 (and the audiosignals that are outputted from a separate recorder device (not shown))are outputted to the AV output connector 26.

As mentioned above, the subroutine proceeds from step 191 to step 197,if the current mode is the record mode. After step 197 has beenperformed, step 198 performs a color temperature detection and whitebalance value setting process. Thereafter, step 199 executes a rangefinding and focussing process. Afterwards, the subroutine proceeds tostep 200.

In step 200, a determination is made as to whether the strobe flashingis ready. If it is determined that the strobe flashing is inhibited, thesubroutine proceeds to step 201 to stop the charging of the strobe. Ifit is determined that the strobe flashing is ready, the subroutineproceeds to step 202 to initiate the charging of the strobe. When step201 or step 202 has been performed, the subroutine proceeds to the ENDprocess.

If the END process has been reached in the record mode, theexposure/recording (photographing) process is executed by fullydepressing the release button 20 so as to turn ON the release switchSWR.

If the camera is in the playback mode, the subroutine proceeds from step192 to step 203, which checks whether the playback start flag has beenset. If it is determined that the playback start flag has been set, thesubroutine proceeds to step 204 to reset the playback start flag.Thereafter, the subroutine proceeds to step 205, which outputs a mutesignal representing a stand-by condition.

After the mute signal is outputted, mode Number M is set to 1 (step206). This causes the PLAY icon on the LCD panel 15 to flash, as shownin FIG. 9(A). Thereafter, the END process is executed.

If it is determined in step 203 that the playback mode start flag hasnot been set, the subroutine sets the playback start flag and executesthe playback start process (steps 207 and 208). The magnetic head 36accesses a predetermined track of the rotating magnetic disc 37 toretrieve signals recorded onto the accessed track. The retrieved signalsare outputted to the AV connector 26. Then, mode Number M is set to 0(step 209), which illuminates the PLAY icon on the LCD panel 15, asshown in FIG. 9(B), before proceeding to the END process.

With a still video camera constructed as described above, the stand-bycondition is established when the playback mode is selected but therelease button 20 has not been depressed. This feature reduces thepossibility of the battery power being needlessly used. Additionally,the mute signals are outputted in the stand-by condition, so that nopicture "roughness" is apparent on a viewing device (i.e., a monitor)due to the generation white noise signals, when, for example, theplayback track is shifted during the standby period.

Furthermore, the release button 20 (play switch SWP) also serves as theswitch for starting and stopping the playback operation when the camerais in the playback mode. Thus, it is unnecessary to provide a separateswitch that would be exclusively used for such a purpose. In addition,the starting and stopping of the playback operation is effected uponeach depression of the release button 20. Therefore, a separate stopswitch is not required, permitting the camera to be made smaller andwith fewer controls. Although the starting and stopping of the playbackoperation is described herein as being controlled under the operation ofthe play switch SWP (which is adapted to be activated by depressing therelease button 20 halfway), an arrangement may be adopted wherein thestarting and stopping of the playback operation is controlled by therelease switch SWR, which is adapted to be activated by fully depressingthe release button 20. The status of the playback operation is visuallydisplayed by flashing the PLAY icon on the record/playback displaysection of the LCD panel 15 when it is in the stand-by condition, orfully illuminating the PLAY icon when the playback operation is inprogress. Therefore, the photographer is always informed of the currentoperation of the camera.

The EXPOSURE COMPENSATION VALUE CHANGING MODE SUBROUTINE will now bedescribed with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20.

When the exposure compensation switch 22 is turned ON, the EXPOSURECOMPENSATION VALUE SETTING SUBROUTINE is entered. In this subroutine,step 210 checks whether the current mode is the record mode. If thedetermination is positive, the subroutine proceeds to step 211, while ifthe determination is negative, the subroutine proceeds to the ENDprocess.

Step 211 sets an exposure compensation (EF) ON flag, indicating that theexposure compensation is in progress. This assures that the exposurevalue will be compensated at the time of the exposure operation.

Thereafter, step 212 determines whether the exposure compensation valuechanging flag has been set, that is, whether the exposure compensationvalue differs from the reference value of +1.5 EV. If the determinationis positive, the subroutine jumps to step 214.

If determination in step 212 is negative, the subroutine proceeds tostep 213 to set the exposure compensation value to +1.5 EV. Then, theprocess continues at step 214.

Step 214 checks whether the up-switch 17a has been turned ON. If it hasbeen turned ON, an up-switch ON flag is set in step 215, before going tostep 218.

If the result of the test made in step 214 is negative, the subroutineproceeds to step 216 to check whether the down-switch 17b has beenturned ON. If the down-switch 17b is OFF, the subroutine proceeds to theEND process. However, if this test result is positive, the subroutineproceeds to step 217 to set a down-switch ON flag, before proceeding tostep 218.

Step 218 checks whether an exposure compensation value changing flag hasbeen set. If it is not set, the END process is performed. However, if ithas been set, the subroutine proceeds to a step 219, so as to set theexposure compensation value changing flag. Upon the setting of thisexposure compensation value changing flag, the exposure compensationvalue changing display ±EF icon is lit, as shown in FIGS. 5(C) to 5(E).

Then, the subroutine checks executes step 220, which checks whether theup-switch ON flag has been set (i.e., whether the up-switch 17a has beenturned ON) or the down-switch ON flag has been set (i.e., whether thedown-switch 17b has been turned ON). If it is determined that thedown-switch ON flag has been set, the subroutine proceeds to step 221.If it is determined that the up-switch ON flag has been set, thesubroutine proceeds to step 224.

Step 221 reduces the exposure compensation value by a 0.5 EV incrementand proceeds to step 222 to check whether the exposure compensationvalue is less than -2.0 EV. If it is less than -2.0 EV, the subroutineproceeds to step 223 to set the exposure compensation value to -2.0 EV,before proceeding to step 227. Thus, the minimum EV value of theexposure compensation value is specified as -2.0 in this embodiment. Ifthe exposure compensation value is not less than -2.0 EV, the subroutineproceeds to step 227.

If the test performed in step 220 indicates that the up-switch 17a isON, the subroutine jumps from step 220 to step 224, which increases theexposure compensation value by a +0.5 EV before proceeding to step 225,which checks whether the exposure compensation value is +2.0 EV orhigher. If a positive determination is obtained, step 226 sets theexposure compensation value to +2.0 EV and then proceeds to a step 227.If a negative determination is obtained, step 226 is skipped. Thus, themaximum EV value of the exposure compensation value is specified as +2.0EV in this embodiment.

Step 227 checks whether the exposure compensation value is equal to +1.5EV (i.e., the reference value). If it is equal to +1.5 EV, thesubroutine proceeds to step 228, which resets the exposure compensationvalue changing flag before performing the END process. If the exposurecompensation value is not equal to +1.5 EV, the subroutine jumpsdirectly to the END process, skipping step 228. In this manner, if theexposure compensation value is equal to the reference value, theexposure compensation value changing display ±EF icon on the LCD panel15 is not displayed. If, on the other hand, the exposure compensationvalue differs from the reference value, the exposure compensation valuechanging display ±EF on the LCD panel 15 is lit.

This subroutine is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals solong as the exposure compensation switch 22 remains turned ON.

With the embodiment arranged as described above, the exposurecompensation value changing operation is simplified, because theexposure compensation value is changed by merely depressing the up-downswitch 17 while the exposure compensation switch 21 is depressed. Inaddition, the total number of switches on the camera is reduced, becausethe up-down switch 17 also serves as the exposure compensation changingmeans. Moreover, after the exposure compensation value has been changedfrom the reference value of +1.5 EV, the display ±EF icon on the tracknumber/exposure compensation display section of the LCD panel 15 is litup, even when the exposure compensation switch 21 is not depressed, sothat the user can know in advance that the exposure compensation valuehas been changed from the reference value.

Although, in this embodiment, the reference value of exposurecompensation is specified as +1.5 EV, which is most often used in abacklight shot, and the exposure compensation value is incremented ordecremented in 0.5 EV steps Within the range of plus or minus 2.0 EV,the present invention is not limited to these values.

With the mode setting device for a camera constructed as describedabove, the photographing mode which is most frequently switched can bechanged by merely operating the selector switch 19 in its initial state,for example, after the power switch 16 has been turned ON, after therelease button 20 has been operated, after the AV connector has beendisconnected from the AV output connector 26 or before the otheroperations are performed. Such a feature is advantageous in that themode changing is simplified, the operability of the camera issubstantially improved and any erroneous mode change is avoided. Oncethe mode changing has been made, the current mode is set by depressingthe release button 20, obviating the need for a separately providedoperating member that would be used exclusively used for this purpose.Such a feature permits the construction of a compact camera that is lowin cost.

In summary, the present invention provides a camera in which a modechanging operation can be achieved using a single operating member (theselector switch 19) for the most frequently changed mode function (i.e.,the photographing mode) or in which the mode changing may be achieved bymanipulating a combination of several operating members (i.e., theup-down switch 17, the mode switch 18 and the selector switch 19) tochange less frequently used mode functions.

With the present embodiment, the date display and the time display onthe time/date display section of the LCD panel 15 are alternately andcyclically changed by operating the mode switch 18. Data adjustment foreach display can be performed by operating the up-down switch 17, whichis primarily used to control the tracking of the magnetic head 36.Consequently, the number of operating switches needed are reduced,permitting the construction of a lower cost compact camera that is easyto use.

The unique arrangement in which the date and time are displayed on theLCD panel 15 that are common to the various mode display sections, suchas the photographing mode display section, is very convenient in thatthe time and date are known, together with the various modes which havebeen set, at a glance. Although the present invention has beenillustrated and described with reference to an electronic still videocamera, the present invention is also applicable to conventional typecamera that utilize silver halide film for recording an image.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mode changing device for a still video camera,comprising:means for setting a mode from a plurality of function modesin which an operation of said camera is controlled and a plurality ofmodes associated with each of said function modes; means for displayingsaid plurality of function modes; mode changing means for selecting afunction mode from said plurality of function modes displayed on saiddisplay means which has been selected for changing; mode changingactuator means for actuating said mode changing means through anexternal operation; and means for selecting a mode from said pluralityof modes associated with each function selected for being changed bysaid mode changing means, wherein said display mode of said selectedmode is selected by said mode changing actuator means.
 2. A modechanging device for a camera having a time/date function,comprising:means for selectively setting a mode from a plurality offunction modes in which the operation of said camera is controlled and aplurality of modes associated with each of said function modes; meansfor displaying said plurality of function modes; mode changing means forselecting a function mode from said plurality of function modesdisplayed on said display means which has been selected for changing;mode changing actuator means to actuate said mode changing means throughan external operation; means for selectively displaying a time mode anda date mode; and means for selecting a mode from said plurality of modesassociated with each function mode selected for being changed by saidmode changing means, wherein said display mode of said time/datefunction is selected by said mode changing actuator means.
 3. Atime/date device for a photographic camera as recited in claim 2,wherein said mode changing means cycles through said data display modeor said time display mode in a predetermined order when said modeactuator means in operated, for selectively preparing said modes to bechanged, said display means switching between said date display mode andsaid time display mode for every complete cycle.
 4. A time/date devicefor a photographic camera as recited in claim 3, wherein said modechanging means alternately selects said date display mode or said timedisplay mode, through the operation of said mode changing actuatormeans, as long as a main switch, which operates to supply electricalpower to portions of said camera, is in an inactive state.
 5. Anexposure compensating mode changing device for a camera, comprising:astill video camera; means for calculating an exposure value; means forautomatically setting an exposure on the basis of said exposure valueprovided by said exposure value calculating means; means forcompensating said set exposure so as to activate said automatic exposuremeans on the basis of a compensated exposure value; means for activatingsaid exposure compensating means; means for changing said exposurecompensation value; means for actuating said exposure compensation valuechanging means, said exposure compensation value changing actuator meansalso operating as a tracking adjustment actuator means when saidexposure compensating means is in an inactive state; and an indicatorfor displaying said exposure compensation value and a track number, saidindicator displaying said exposure compensation value when said exposurecompensation actuator means is in an active state, while displaying saidtrack number when said exposure compensation actuator means is in saidinactive state.
 6. An exposure compensating device as recited in claim5, wherein a change in said exposure compensation value is displayed onsaid indicator when said exposure compensation value has been changedwith respect to a reference value.
 7. A still video camera,comprising:means for generating video signals of an image correspondingto an object to be photographed; means for recording said video signalsonto a recording medium; means for reproducing said video signalsrecorded onto said recording medium; means for outputting saidreproduced video signals to an external apparatus; and means forautomatically switching said camera from a recording mode to areproducing mode when a means for connecting said external apparatus iselectrically connected to said outputting means of said camera, saidautomatic switching means automatically switching said camera back tosaid recording mode when said connection means is electricallydisconnected from said outputting means of said camera, said automaticswitching means being prevented from switching said camera from saidrecording mode to said reproducing mode when an external actuator meansis operated and said connection means is not electrically connected tosaid outputting means of said camera.
 8. A still video camera as recitedin claim 7, wherein said automatic switching means switches said camerato said recording mode by operating said external actuator means whensaid connection means is electrically connected to said outputtingmeans.
 9. A still video camera as recited in claim 7, wherein said videosignals are recorded by said recording means onto said recording mediumand are also outputted by said reproducing means to said outputtingmeans when said connection means is electrically connected to saidoutputting means.
 10. A still video camera as recited in claim 11, 6wherein said video signals recorded onto said recording medium can beerased even if said connection means is electrically connected to saidoutput means.
 11. A still video camera, comprising:means for recordingvideo signals onto a recording medium; means for reproducing saidrecorded video signals; means for selectively changing an operating modeof said camera to a record mode, in which said recording means isactivated, and a reproduction mode, in which said reproducing means isactivated; and an initiator switch that activates said reproducing meansand said recording means, wherein said reproducing means startsreproducing said recorded video signals when said initiator switch isactivated and said reproduction mode has been selected, while initiatingsaid recording of said video signals onto said recording medium whensaid record mode has been selected.
 12. A still video camera as recitedin claim 11, wherein said reproducing means does not reproduce saidreproduced video signals when said initiator switch does not activatesaid reproducing means.
 13. A still video camera as recited in claim 11,wherein said reproducing means is alternately started and stopped everytime said initiator switch is activated and deactivated when said camerais in said reproducing mode.
 14. A still video camera as recited inclaim 11, further comprising means for monitoring the output of saidrecorded signal that is inputted to an external connection means, saidmonitoring means being operatively associated with said initiator switchto start and stop said reproduction means.
 15. A still video camera,comprising:means for generating video signals of an image correspondingto an object to be photographed; means for recording said video signalsonto a recording medium; means for reproducing said video signalsrecorded onto said recording medium; means for outputting saidreproduced video signals to an external apparatus; means forautomatically switching said camera from a recording mode to areproducing mode when a means for connecting said external apparatus tosaid camera is electrically connected to said outputting means of saidcamera, said automatic switching means switching said camera to saidrecording mode, activating said recording means when said connectionmeans is electrically disconnected from said outputting means; externalactuator means for automatically switching said camera to saidreproduced video signal outputting means when said external apparatus iselectrically connected to said outputting means, mode changing means forselecting a function mode from a plurality of function modes that aredisplayed on an indicator and which has been selected for changing; andselector means for selecting a mode from said plurality of modesassociated with each function selected for being changed by said modechanging means, said mode changing means being adapted to, in an initialstate, prepare a photographing mode setting means to be changed throughthe operation of said selector means and then actually change said modethrough the operation of said selector means.
 16. The still video cameraof claim 15, wherein said indicator displays a date and a time.
 17. Thestill video camera of claim 16, wherein said mode changing meansalternately selects a display of said date or a display of said time,through the operation of a mode changing actuator means, as long as amain switch, which operates to supply electrical power to portions ofsaid camera, is in an inactive state.
 18. The still video camera ofclaim 15, wherein said plurality of modes include arecord/reproducing/erasing mode, an exposure mode, a copy/monitor mode,a strobe operation mode, a white balance mode, a photographic frame modeand a time/date mode.
 19. The still video camera of claim 15, furthercomprising means for compensating an exposure value of said camera. 20.The still video camera of claim 19, when said exposure compensatingmeans comprises:means for calculating said exposure value; means forautomatically setting an exposure on the basis of said exposure valueprovided by said exposure value calculating means; means forcompensating said set exposure so as to activate an automatic exposuremeans on the basis of a compensated exposure value; means for activatingsaid exposure compensating means; means for changing said exposurecompensation value; and means for actuating said exposure compensationvalue changing means.
 21. The still video camera of claim 16, furthercomprising:means for calculating an exposure value; means forautomatically setting an exposure on the basis of said exposure valueprovided by said exposure value calculating means; means forcompensating said set exposure so as to activate an automatic exposuremeans on the basis of a compensated exposure value; means for activatingsaid exposure compensating means; means for changing said exposurecompensation value; and means for actuating said exposure compensationvalue changing means.
 22. A still video camera, comprising:means forgenerating video signals of an image corresponding to an object to bephotographed; means for recording said video signals onto a recordingmedium; means for reproducing said video signals recorded onto saidrecording medium; means for outputting said reproduced video signals toan external apparatus; means for automatically switching from arecording mode to a reproducing mode when means for connecting saidexternal apparatus to said camera is electrically connected to saidoutputting means of said camera, said automatic switching meansswitching to said recording mode by an external actuator means, saidswitching means switching to said recording mode, activating saidrecording means when said connection means is electrically disconnectedfrom said outputting means of said camera; means for preventing saidswitching means from switching the operating mode of said camera to saidreproducing mode when said external actuator means is operated if saidconnection means is not electrically connected to said output means ofsaid camera; mode changing means for selecting a function mode from aplurality of function modes that are displayed on an indicator and whichhas been selected for changing; and selector means for selecting a modefrom said plurality of modes associated with each function selected forbeing changed by said mode changing means, said mode changing meansbeing adapted to, in an initial state, prepare a photographing modesetting means to be changed through the operation of said selector meansand then actually change said mode through the operation of saidselector means.
 23. The still video camera of claim 22, wherein saidcamera includes a plurality of operating modes that are controllable bya mode changing device.
 24. The still video camera of claim 23, whereinsaid mode changing device comprises:means for selecting a function modeto be changed; means for selecting an operating mode from a plurality ofoperating modes associated with said function mode that was selected tobe changed; and means for setting a desired operating mode from saidplurality of operating modes for said selected function mode.
 25. Astill video camera, comprising:means for generating video signals of animage corresponding to an object to be photographed; means for recordingsaid video signals onto a recording medium; means for reproducing saidvideo signals recorded onto said recording medium; means for outputtingsaid reproduced video signals to an external apparatus; means forautomatically switching from a recording mode to a reproducing mode whenmeans for connecting said external apparatus to said camera iselectrically connected to said outputting means of said camera, saidautomatic switching means switching to said recording mode by anexternal actuator means, said switching means switching to saidrecording mode, activating said recording means when said connectionmeans is electrically disconnected from said outputting means of saidcamera; means for simultaneously outputting said recorded video signalsthrough said reproducing means as said video signals are being recordedonto said magnetic medium when said connection means is electricallyconnected to said output means of said camera; mode changing means forselecting a function mode from a plurality of function modes that aredisplayed on an indicator and which has been selected for changing; andselector means for selecting a mode from said plurality of modesassociated with each function selected for being changed by said modechanging means, said mode changing means being adapted to, in an initialstate, prepare a photographing mode setting means to be changed throughthe operation of said selector means and then actually change said modethrough the operating of said selector means.
 26. A camera, comprising:amode changing device, having:means for selectively setting a mode from aplurality of function modes in which an operation of said camera iscontrolled and a plurality of modes associated with each of saidfunction modes; means for displaying said plurality of function modes;mode changing means for selecting a function mode from said plurality offunction modes displayed on said display means which has been selectedfor changing; mode changing actuator means for actuating said modechanging means through an external operation; means for selectivelydisplaying a time mode and a date mode; and means for selecting a modefrom said plurality of modes associated with each function mode selectedfor being changed by said mode changing means, wherein said display modeof said time/date function is selected by said mode changing actuatormeans; and a still video recording/reproducing unit, having:means forgenerating video signals of an image corresponding to an object to bephotographed; means for recording said video signals onto a recordingmedium; means for reproducing said video signals recorded onto saidrecording medium; means for outputting said reproduced video signals toan external apparatus; means for automatically switching between arecording mode and a reproducing mode, said automatic switching meansswitching to said reproducing mode, activating said reproducing meanswhen means for connecting said external apparatus to said camera iselectrically connected to said outputting means of said camera, saidautomatic switching means switching to said recording mode by anexternal actuator means, said automatic switching means switching tosaid recording mode, activating said recording means when saidconnection means is electrically disconnected from said outputting meansof said camera; and means for simultaneously outputting said recordedvideo signals through said reproducing means as said video signals arebeing recorded onto said magnetic medium when said connection means iselectrically connected to said output means of said camera.
 27. Thestill video camera of claim 26, wherein one function mode comprises awhite balance adjusting function.
 28. The still video camera of claim26, wherein one function mode comprises an exposure compensationfunction.
 29. The still video camera of claim 26, wherein said pluralityof function modes includes a time/date function and an exposurecompensation function.
 30. A camera, comprising:means for obtaining animage of an object to be recorded; means for recording said image onto arecording medium; means for reproducing said recorded image; means forselecting a mode from a plurality of function modes in which anoperation of said camera is controlled and a plurality of modesassociated with each of said function modes; means for displaying saidplurality of function modes, said display means selectively indicating atime mode and a date mode; means for setting a desired function modefrom said plurality of function modes displayed on said display meanswhich has been selected for changing; means for changing a function modefrom said plurality of function modes displayed on said display meanswhich has been selected for changing; means for actuating said desiredfunction mode setting means through an external operation; and means forselecting a mode from said plurality of modes associated with eachfunction mode selected for being changed by said mode changing means,wherein said time mode and date mode are selected by said actuatingmeans.
 31. The camera of claim 30, wherein said display meansselectively displays said operating modes and said function modes ofsaid camera.
 32. The camera of claim 31, wherein said mode selectingmeans comprises a switch that cycles through said plurality of functionmodes that are available to be changed when said switch is activated.33. The camera of claim 32, wherein said function mode setting meanscomprises a switch that cycles through said plurality of function modesfor said selected function mode.
 34. The camera of claim 30, furtherincluding means for automatically switching said camera to a reproducingmode, activating said reproducing means when a means for connecting anexternal apparatus to said camera is electrically connected to an outputmeans of said camera, said automatic switching means switching to saidrecording mode, activating said recording means when said connectionmeans is electrically disconnected from said output means of saidcamera.
 35. The camera of claim 31, further including means forautomatically switching said camera to a reproducing mode, activatingsaid reproducing means when a means for connecting an external apparatusto said camera is electrically connected to an output means of saidcamera, said automatic switching means switching to said recording mode,activating said recording means when said connection means iselectrically disconnected from said output means of said camera.
 36. Thecamera of claim 35, wherein said automatic switching means is preventedfrom switching said camera to said reproducing mode when an externalactuator means is operated if said connection means is not electricallyconnected to said output means of said camera.
 37. The camera of claim34, wherein said automatic switching means switches said camera to saidrecord mode by operating an external actuator means when said connectionmeans is electrically connected to said output means of said camera. 38.The camera of claim 37, wherein said automatic switching means isprevented from switching said camera to said reproducing mode when anexternal actuator means is operated if said connection means is notelectrically connected to said output means of said camera.